Nissan admits that its models are all over the place right now. But even so, this Japanese car brand still offers some comfortable cruisers. As you shop around, you might wonder: what are the most reliable Nissan cars?

We’ve created a list of the most reliable Nissans based on data from Consumer Reports. These ratings indicate how well a car has held up in the past and the likelihood of pesky problems. As CR notes, Nissans vary significantly in reliability, so you’ll want to check the ratings before you make a purchase. All the models on this list have an above-average four out of five score for predicted reliability. 

The 2021 Nissan Murano is a great family SUV

Recently, we talked about how reliability is the Murano’s superpower. CR’s auto data shows that the Murano is the most dependable Nissan. So if this factor is among your most important priorities, this Nissan is a worthy midsize SUV. Furthermore, the Murano won an award that many others didn’t. J.D. Power named it one of the best 2020 family SUVs because of its long-term quality. And like other new Nissans, it offers many of the latest infotainment and active safety features. 

Power is another one of SUV’s main selling points. All Muranos come with a 260-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine linked to a continuously variable automatic (CVT). The Murano’s V6 is quick, and its CVT is unobtrusive. However, it’s only average for fuel economy with an EPA rating of 23 mpg. The Murano’s outward visibility isn’t great either.

The 2021 Nissan Altima has unique options

There have been many common complaints about the Altima over the years. However, its overall reliability ratings have greatly improved, as evidenced by the 2020 model year. Like other enthusiasts, we consider the Altima as an unconventional sedan. This is mostly because of its lineup of performance options that aim to suit different drivers’ tastes. 

The Altima’s base 188-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is ideal for everyday commuting. Perhaps the most compelling option is the Altima’s SV trim, which has an all-wheel-drive system. SV models have the same four-cylinder, but AWD sacrifices six horses. The Altima also offers a turbo-four that produces 248-hp on the upper-level trims. All engines come with a CVT.  

The 2021 Nissan Maxima is a mixed-bag

The 2021 Maxima is another Nissan that can’t make up its mind, but that’s OK. It has the same V6 engine that the Murano does, but it’s tuned to generate 300-hp. The Maxima gets points for its quick acceleration. But it still isn’t sporty as Nissan advertises. Some critics also feel that it still falls short as a luxury sedan. On a more positive note, the Maxima rides comfortably, and it returns decent gas mileage. 

CR doesn’t have as much owner data on the Maxima compared to the Murano and Altima. The org still gives this model an above-average reliability rating based on how it performed recently. Ratings from RepairPal also indicate that Maxima is a dependable car with low ownership costs.